How to Protect and Maintain Swivel Joints of Loading Arms
Any mechanical equipment requires protection and maintenance during use, and the primary step is to keep it clean. The same applies to swivel joints of loading arms. Below are guidelines for maintaining swivel joints during equipment operation, with a focus on cleanliness.
Maintenance of Swivel Joints for Loading Arms
Cleanliness for New Equipment:
New loading arm swivel joints should maintain cleanliness inside the drum and pipelines. For new equipment, it is particularly important to install a filter if necessary to prevent abnormal wear caused by foreign objects.
Long-term inactivity of the machine may lead to scaling and rust inside the swivel joint. Note that reusing it may cause jamming or leakage.
Lubrication for Grease-Filled Devices:
For swivel joints with lubrication devices, regularly inject grease to ensure the reliability of bearing operation.
Temperature Control for Heat-Carrying Media:
Swivel joints transporting hot media should be heated gradually to avoid sudden temperature changes.
Inspection of Sealing Surfaces:
Check the wear condition and thickness variation of the sealing surfaces (normal wear is generally 5–10 mm).
Observe the friction tracks on the sealing surfaces for issues such as discontinuous three-point wear or scratches. If any of the above conditions are found, replace the swivel joint immediately.
Cleaning and Storage During Inactivity:
After prolonged use, swivel joints may accumulate fine sediments due to the medium. If the machine remains operational, it is beneficial for the swivel joint; however, if the machine stops, disassemble the swivel joint for cleaning, store it properly, and reinstall it when the machine resumes operation to extend its service life.
The above content outlines the maintenance methods for swivel joints. For any questions, please feel free to contact us.
